What should I do if my check engine light appears?

If you recently started seeing a dreaded “check engine” light appear on your dashboard, it can be an unnerving feeling. Most of us immediately panic and try to find out what’s wrong with our car, without understanding what’s actually going on. However, knowing what to do when the CEL lights up is essential, as ignoring the issue could make matters much worse.

The first thing to do when your check engine light appears is to determine what might have caused it. An extremely common cause of the CEL is a loose gas cap, so check to see that you screwed it on tightly. It could be something more serious as well, but it’s best to start with the most likely culprit first.

The check engine light is triggered by the Onboard Diagnostic II (OBD II) system. This system is designed to monitor a variety of engine parameters in the interest of improved emissions. One of the things it monitors is evaporative losses from the fuel system. If the gas cap is indeed loose, the CEL should go away after tightening it and driving for a while.

If the CEL is still illuminated, it is a good idea to check with a trusted auto repair shop to diagnose and fix the problem. Your vehicle will most likely fail an emissions test if the CEL remains illuminated, so it’s best to act sooner rather than later. A qualified mechanic should be able to reset the CEL after identifying the source of the issue.

If you think the CEL may have come on due to a fault in the OBD II system itself, it may be possible to reset the light by disconnecting your car’s battery for a few minutes. However, it is best to first consult a mechanic and verify that this action is safe for your particular vehicle.

A check engine light can be a real pain, but if you know what to do, it should be a simple matter to identify and address the cause. First, make sure your gas cap is tight, as it is a very common cause of the CEL. If the issue persists, take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them check it out. You should be able to reset the CEL by disconnecting the battery, but it is best to verify the safety of doing this first.

Apr 20th 2023 Robert